The comments created a multiday firestorm, which the White House is struggling to dig out of in part because it has refused to offer a public apology — as members of McCain's family and lawmakers in both parties have requested.

Shah condemned the leak of the remark, but declined to discuss his thoughts on the comments themselves.

"If you aren’t able, in internal meetings, to speak your mind or convey thoughts or say anything that you feel without feeling like your colleagues will betray you, that creates a very difficult work environment," he said.

The spokesman said the matter "is not about my opinion or anybody else’s opinion."